Sublimation (phase transition)
Sublimation (phase transition)
Sublimation is a phase transition that occurs when a substance directly changes from a solid state to a gas state, bypassing the liquid state. The term originates from the Latin word 'sublimare', meaning 'to raise up, elevate'.
Pronunciation
- UK: /sʌblɪˈmeɪʃn/
- US: /ˌsʌblɪˈmeɪʃən/
Etymology
The term 'sublimation' is derived from the Latin 'sublimare', which combines 'sub-' (under) and '-limare' (to lift or raise). This refers to the process where a solid substance is elevated directly to a gaseous state.
Process
Sublimation occurs under specific conditions of temperature and pressure, known as the triple point. This is the point on a phase diagram where the three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) coexist. Substances that commonly undergo sublimation under normal atmospheric pressure include carbon dioxide (also known as dry ice) and iodine.
Related Terms
- Deposition: The reverse process of sublimation, where a gas changes directly into a solid without passing through the liquid state.
- Phase diagram: A graphical representation of the physical states of a substance under different conditions of temperature and pressure.
- Triple point: The specific set of conditions where all three phases of a substance coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium.
See Also
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